KAPITEL 40. Midnight, Forecastle.
At the midnight watch, the Pequod’s forecastle transforms into a chaotic ballroom where sailors of various nationalities—Nantucket, Dutch, French, Icelandic, Maltese, Sicilian, Azorean, Chinese, Portuguese, and others—celebrate with songs, dancing, and revelry despite the brewing storm. Pip the cabin boy is reluctantly summoned to play his tambourine while some sailors lounge and others argue about dancing, with the Iceland sailor complaining that the deck is too springy for his tastes and the Maltese sailor demanding female partners before he will join in. The festive mood sours when a squall strikes the ship, darkening the sky and whipping the sea into fury; the sailors scramble to reef sails while Pip, trembling under the windlass, recalls the white whale and Ahab’s oath to hunt it, praying to God to preserve him from the white men aboard.
Foresail Rises to Reveal Singing Forecastle Watch
The foresail rises to reveal the watch standing, lounging, leaning, and lying in various attitudes while all sing together in chorus. The title “Harpooneers and Sailors” introduces the diverse crew gathered on the forecastle deck during the midnight watch.
Forecastle Watch Sings Farewell to Spanish Ladies
The sailors launch into a traditional sea shanty with the haunting refrain “Farewell and adieu to you, Spanish ladies! Farewell and adieu to you, ladies of Spain! Our captain’s commanded.” This melancholic song marks the beginning of the chapter’s musical atmosphere.
1st Nantucket Sailor Leads Whaling Shanty
A Nantucket sailor breaks the sentimental mood, declaring sentimentality bad for digestion. He initiates a boisterous whaling shanty with lively verses about the captain watching whales through his spyglass, urging the men to row “hand, boys, over hand” and praising the bold harpooner striking the whale. The crew rallies with the cheerful chorus “be cheery, my lads! may your hearts never fail!”
Mate Calls Eight Bells for Watch Change
The mate’s voice rings out from the quarterdeck calling “Eight bells there, forward!” marking the end of one watch and the beginning of another, a routine timekeeping moment aboard the ship.
2nd Nantucket Sailor Rouses Sleeping Watch
The second Nantucket sailor commands the bell-boy to strike eight bells and then rouses the sleeping watch with his “hogshead mouth,” shouting “Star-bo-l-e-e-n-s, a-h-o-y! Eight bells there below! Tumble up!” to wake the offgoing watch.
Dutch Sailor Comments on Night’s Drinking
A Dutch sailor reflects on the night’s heavy drinking, noting it was grand for sleeping. He draws a parallel between the Mogul’s wine and its effect on the crew—deadening to some while energizing others. He encourages his shipmate to continue rousing the sleeping men, describing it as a resurrection where they must “kiss their last, and come to judgment.” He jokes his throat isn’t spoiled from eating Amsterdam butter.
French Sailor Calls for Crew Dancing
A French sailor proposes a jig or two before anchoring, growing increasingly enthusiastic as he urges the men to “stand by all legs!” He calls for Pip to play the tambourine and demands the crew form an “Indian-file” and “gallop into the double-shuffle,” insisting “Merry’s the word; hurrah!”
Iceland Sailor Rejects Springy Dance Floor
The Iceland sailor offers a cold reception to the dancing proposal, complaining he doesn’t like the floor’s springiness since he’s used to ice-floors. He apologetically “throws cold water on the subject,” politely declining to participate in the revelry.
Maltese and Sicilian Sailors Seek Dance Partners
The Maltese sailor seconds the objection, demanding “where’s your girls?” He declares that only a fool would take his left hand by his right without partners. The Sicilian sailor adds he would gladly hop if given girls and a green lawn, willing to “turn grasshopper” for the right circumstances.
Long Island Sailor Encourages Crew Dancing
The Long Island sailor dismisses the objections, assuring there are plenty more willing participants. He offers encouragement with the proverb “hoe corn when you may” and philosophically notes “all legs go to harvest soon” as he anticipates the arrival of music.
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